ONE of North Wales’ leading logistics companies is aiming to attract a new breed of driver to help it keep pace with the growth of the business.

Delivery Solutions (Delsol), which has depots in Caernarfon and Sandycroft, has grown by almost 40% over the last three years.

It currently employs 133 staff with a further pool of 50 contractors called upon to meet customer demand.

But like many other logistics providers, Delsol is facing challenges recruiting experienced drivers due to the impact of Covid-19 and Brexit.

Most recently, the effect of the so-called ‘pingdemic’ has led to additional pressures on driver availability.

It is believed that the current shortfall across the UK is in the region of 100,000 drivers.

One of the biggest challenges has been suspension of HGV driver tests because of the pandemic resulting in a greater number of drivers retiring than entering the industry.

Delsol is actively looking to buck the trend by widening its search for new drivers.

Tony Parry, Chairman of Delsol, said: “The UK transport industry is a £127billion pound industry which employs 10% of the entire UK workforce, without which the UK economy would quickly collapse. Recent events have shown just how fragile and vulnerable the UK supply chain can be.

“Delsol has adapted well and shown some exceptional resilience to the current turbulent trading challenges we have experienced.

“Our key workers - drivers, operations, administrators and fleet maintenance team – have shown incredible strength and adaptability. They have gone the extra mile to deliver and maintain services to our customers across the UK and their commitment and dedication has been the key to our continued success.

“We are looking to attract both experienced and younger drivers into the industry. While truck driving and delivery has long been seen as a male domain, we are keen to buck that trend and attract female drivers as well as workers from other industries who may find their current skills are easily transferred to a delivery career.

“Customer focus, an attention to detail and a reliable work ethic are all attributes required to succeed in the logistics industry. Ex-forces personnel, supermarket drivers, postal workers, taxi and bus drivers and hospitality sector workers looking for new opportunities would all be well-suited to a career in logistics. There is funding support available to assist with the retraining of people looking for a new career challenge or for young people entering the workplace for the first time.

“The modern truck or delivery vehicle has changed dramatically over the years, with automatic gearboxes, power steering, comfortable seats, air conditioning, satellite navigation, tail lifts, powered pump trucks and many other drivers aids ensuring the vehicles are fit for purpose and are as easy to drive as many modern cars.”

Tony added: “As a business we are concentrating our efforts on our current customer base and are carefully selecting new customer enquiries to ensure we can offer the best possible service to our existing long-standing clients.”

Delsol, which was founded 22 years ago, offers parcel delivery, haulage, storage, pallet distribution, air and sea freight and transport of hazardous chemicals.

It operates within the UK and internationally. It is a member of The Pallet Network, APC Overnight and The Hazchem Network.